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Along with the image, Neymar wrote: "You have to have a positive attitude and get the best out of the situation in which you find yourself," followed by Hawking's name.

Scientist Hawking - who contributed to ground breaking work in physics - passed away from unknown causes at the age of 76.

The Professor had suffered from a strain of motor neuron disease since the age of 22 when he was given just two years to live.

The Mirror reported that fans on social media have responded angrily to the post that compares his situation to that of the Cambridge graduate.

Neymar's message was seemingly posted with good intentions, but came in for heavy criticism.

One fan @mikalapaula was disgusted by the insensitive tweet, writing: "Neymar cannot be your favourite footballer anymore: he used the death of Stephen Hawking and his disability to publicise his recovery for a broken leg. Repulsive."

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Another by the handle @BeardedGenius scathed: "Neymar there, with his sore metatarsal and sprained ankle, marking Stephen Hawking's death by cheerily comparing himself to quadriplegic Stephen Hawking."

@ChristianAllen8 fumed: "Neymar there, with his broken toe and sprained ankle, attempting to draw a comparison to Stephen Hawking, who had debilitating ALS for over 50 years.